Benzodiazepin-2-ones and processes for the preparation thereof

ABSTRACT

1-substituted benzodiazepin-2-ones, derivatives thereof, and processes for the preparation of same are described. These compounds are useful as anti-convulsants, muscle relaxants and sedatives.

United States Patent Hellerbach et al.

1 51 May 27, 1975 BENZODIAZEPIN-Z-ONES AND PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF Inventors: Joseph Hellerbach, Basel,

Switzerland; Armin Walser, West Appl. N0.: 377,880

Related U.S. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 169,564, Aug. 4, 1971, Pat. No, 3,784,542, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10,053, Feb. 9, 1970, abandoned.

Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 14, 1969 Switzerland 2255/69 U.S. Cl... 260/562 N; 260/239.3 D; 260/290 R;

260/562 R Int. Cl. C07c 103/32 Field of Search 260/562 N, 239.3 D

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1968 Carabaters 260/239.3 D

Primary Examiner'C. Davis Attorney, Agent, or FirmSamuel L. Welt; Bernard S. Leon; Frank P. Hoffman [57 ABSTRACT l-substituted benzodiazepin-2-ones, derivatives thereof, and processes for the preparation of same are described. These compounds are useful as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and sedatives.

2 Claims, No Drawings BENZODIAZEPIN-Z-ONES AND PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF This is a division of application Scr. No. 169,564 filed Aug. 4, 1971, now US. Pat. No. 3,784,542, which in turn is a continuation-inpart of application Ser. No. 10,053 filed Feb. 9, 1970, and now abandoned.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to novel chemical compounds and to processes for the preparation thereof, said compounds having valuable therapeutic properties. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with new bcnzodiazepine derivatives of the general formula wherein R, signifies halogen or nitro; R signifies phenyl, mono-halo phenyl or pyridyl; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy lower alkyl, halo lower alkyl, carbalkoxy, mono-lower alkylaminolower alkyl, dilower alkylamino-lower alkyl or acyloxy-lower alkyl; R, signifies lower alkoxy, halolower alkoxy, amino-lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, dilower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, hydroXy-lower alkox y, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl or lower alkylsulfonyl; R signifies hydrogen or hydroxy; R,,- signifies hydrogen or carbalkoxy; and where, in the case that R, signifieshydrogen. the nitrogen atom in the 4-position can carry an oxygen atom as well the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

As used herein, either alone or in combination, the term lower alkyl comprehends straight or branched chain hydrocarbon groups having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl and the like. The term acyl, used either alone or in combination. comprebends alkanoyl groups such as acetyl, propionyl, tert. butyryl and the like; cycloalkanecarbonyl groups such as cyclopropane carbonyl and the like; aroyl or aralkanoyl groups such as benzoyl, phenacetyl, phenylpropionyl and the like which may carry methoxy substituents. The term halogen" represents all four forms thereof, i.e. fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, unless expressly indicated otherwise. The term lower alkoxy" designates straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbonoxy groups containing from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, preferably from l to 4 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy and the like. The expression halo'lower alkoxy" includes mono as well as diand tri-halo-lower alkoxy groups.

A preferred class of compounds falling within the scope of formula I are those wherein R, signifies chlorine or nitro, R is phenyl, or mono-halo phenyl with the halogen atom preferably being chlorine or fluorine and positioned in the 2-position of the phenyl ring, and R and R are hydrogen, i.e. compounds of the formula wherein R, is chlorine or nitro; R is hydrogen or halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine, and R and R, are as described above.

Another preferred class of compounds falling within the scope of formula I are those wherein R, signifies chlorine or nitro; R signifies phenyl or monohalo phenyl, wherein the halogen atom is preferably chlorine or fluorine and is positioned in the 2-position of the phenyl ring, R,-, and R,; signify hydrogen; R signifies hydrogen or lower alkyl, preferably methyl; and R, signifies lower alkoxy, i.e., compounds of the formula Cit-lower alkoxy wherein R, and R are as described above; and R signifies hydrogen or lower alkyl, preferably methyl.

When the R substituent is an acyloxy-lower alkyl group, acyloxy methyl is preferred, with the acyl group preferably being acetyl, cyclopropionyl, tert. butyryl and the like.

Most preferred of the compounds of formula I are: 7-nitro-5-phenyl- 1 -methoxymethyll ,3-dihydro-2H- l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one; 7-nitro-5-phenyll ethoxymethyll ,3-dihydro-2H- l ,4-benzodiazepin- Z-one; 7-nitro-5-phenyl-l (2-chloroethoxy)methyl]- l,3-dihydro-2-Hl.4-benzodiazepin-2-one and 7- chloro-5( Z-fluorophenyl l -methoxymethyl' l .3- dihydro-ZH- l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

The present invention is additionally concerned with new benzodiazepine derivatives of the general formula wherein R R R and R, are as described above.

Preferred among the compounds falling within the scope of formula I are those wherein R is phenyl, or mono-halo phenyl with the halogen atom being chlorine or fluorine and positioned in the 2-position of the phenyl ring, and R and R are hydrogen, i.e. compounds of the general formula wherein R R and R, are as described above, or a 4-oxide thereof, in case R represents hydrogen is reacted with a compound of the general formula wherein R,, signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, halolower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl or carbalkoxy; R signifies lower alkoxy, halo-lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio or alkoxy-lower alkoxy; and X signifies any suitable leaving group, preferably halogen, mesyloxy or tosyloxy to yield a compound of the formula cum,

wherein R is hydrogen, lower alkyl. halo-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl or carbalkoxy; R, is lower alkoxy, halo-lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio or alkoxy-lower alkoxy; R R and R, are described above, or the 4-oxide thereof in case R represents hydrogen.

The reaction of a compound of formula ll or a 4- oxide thereof in case R, represents hydrogen with a compound of formula III to prepare a compound of formula Ic above can be carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent or mixtures of inert organic solvents. Suitable inert organic solvents for the purposes of this aspect of the present invention are hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, and the like. ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like, alcohols such as tertiary butanol and the like, and dimethylformamide. This reaction is expediently carried out within a temperature range of about 50 to about C. Further, it is expedient to first transform a compound of formula ll into the l-alkali metal derivative thereof before the reaction with the compound of formula III. This 1- alkali metal derivative can, for example, be manufactured with the aid of a lower alkali alcoholate such as sodium methylate, an alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride, an alkali metal amide such as sodium amide and similar reagents. Alternately, the reaction of a compound of formula II with a compound of formula III can also be effected in the presence of a base such as an alkali hydroxide, for example sodium hydroxide, or triethylamine. The compounds of formula ll and III above are known and conveniently available classes or materials and can be prepared following conventional techniques.

B. In a further process aspect of the present invention, a compound of the general formula N 04 IV R1 (ilrzz wherein R, and R are as described above is reacted with a vinyl ether of the general formula CH CH-O lower alkyl to yield compound of formula I wherein R is methyl and R is lower alkoxy, ie, a compound of the formula wherein R and R are as described above.

The reaction of compound of formula IV with a vinyl ether of formula V to yield a compound of formula Id above is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Suitable inert organic solvents for this purpose include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like and chlorinated hydrocarbons such as chloroform and the like. Further, this reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an acid catalyst such as glacial acetic acid. Temperatures in the range of from about room temperature to about 150C are suitable for the purposes of this reaction. The compounds of formulae IV and V above are known and conveniently available classes of materials and can be prepared following conventional techniques.

C. In a further process aspect of the present inven tion, a compound of the formula llho CPI-R wherein R R R and R are as described above, and R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl or di-lower alkylaminolower alkyl, and where at least one of R or R is a mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl or monolower alkylamino-lower alkoxy group, and where, in the case that R signifies hydrogen, the nitrogen atom in the 4-position can carry an oxygen atom. The reaction of a compound of Formula VI with a mono-lower alkylamine or a di-lower alkylamine can be carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Suitable inert organic solvents for this process aspect of the present invention include ethers such as dioxane and the like, hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and the like and dimethylformamide. The temperature and pressure employed are not critical to the successful performance of this process aspect, Thus, the reaction can be conducted at about room temperature or at elevated temperatures and/or under pressure.

D. A further process aspect of the present invention involves the alkylation of a compound of the formula R13 m-R12 lat/ VII R C- --=N wherein R and R are as described above; R signifies lower alkoxy, amino-lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy or lower alkylthio; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, monolower alkylamino-lower alkyl, di-lower alkylaminolower alkyl or amino-lower alkyl, at least one of R and R being an amino-lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, amino-lower alkyl or mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl group, or corresponding 4-oxicle thereof to yield a compound of the formula (DH-R4 o N-- c If wherein R, and R are as described above; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl; R, signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, or lower alkylthio, at least one of R or R being a mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, monolower alkylamino-lower alkyl or dilower alkyl-amino-lower alkyl group, or a corresponding 4-oxide thereof.

The alkylation of a compound of formula VI] above to yield a compound of formula IF above can be carried out following a variety of conventional alkylation techniques. For example, the alkylation may be effected by reductive alkylation, using, preferably Raney Nickel in methanol. For this reaction, temperature and pressure are not critical. Thus, the reaction can be conducted at room temperature although temperatures above and and below room temperature can also be employed. In addition, the alkylation of a compound of formula VII can be effected with an alkyl halide such as methyl iodide and the like. This reaction is expediently carried out at temperatures from about room temperature to about 120C and in the presence of organic solvents such as dioxane, dimethylformamide, alcohols i.e. ethanol, or hydrocarbons i.e. benzene, toluene and the like. The reaction can also be carried out using elevated pressure.

E. The compounds of formula I wherein at least one of R or R is mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl or mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy group can be prepared as described above by reacting a compound of formula V] with a mono-lower alkylamine or a dilower alkylamine. Alternately, these compounds can be prepared by using a protected mono-lower alkylamine or a protected di-lower alkylamine as the reactant. This reaction yields a compound of the formula.

wherein R and R are as described above; R signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkyl-amino-lower alkoxy, alkoxylower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, or a protected monolower alkylamino-lower alkoxy group; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl. monolower alkylamino-lower alkyl, di-lower alkylaminolower alkyl, or a protected mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl group, at least one of R or R signifing a protected mono-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy or mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl group, or a corresponding 4-oxide thereof. The protecting group can then be split off from the compound of formula Vlll above to yield a compound of the formula wherein R and R are as described above; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl; R signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, or lower alkylthio, wherein at least one of R or R is a mono-lower alkylamine-lower alkyl or monolower alkyl-amino-lower alkoxy group or a corre' sponding 4-oxide thereof.

Choice of the protecting group used in the formation of a compound of formula VIII and its splitting off is governed by the conditioning factors of the molecule. Suitable protecting groups for this purpose include, for example, carbalkoxy groups such as carbmethoxy, carbethoxy and the like, or carbobenzoxy. The splitting off of the protecting group can be effected by conventional techniques. for example, by alkaline hydrolysis or hy drogenolysis. The alkaline hydrolysis is expediently carried out in the presence of inert organic solvents such as ethers, alcohols and the like and utilizing temperatures from about room temperature to about C. Suitable bases include alkaline or alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and the like. The hydrogenolysis is expediently effected in glacial acetic acid in the presence of palladium and at room temperature, although temperatures above and below room temperature can also be employed.

F. In a further process aspect of the present inven tion, compounds of formula I wherein at least one of the R or R substituents carries a hydroxy containing group can be prepared by replacing the aliphatically bound halogen atom ofa compound of the general formula l R3 era-R16 O I 2: I CIT-R N-C 5 i \c/RS Ix N -C/ R Ih Ra I \C R1 (ll-1N R wherein R R R,-, and R are as described above, and where, in the case that R; signifies hydrogen, the nitrogen atom in the 4-position can carry an oxygen atom; R signifies lower alkoxy, mono-halolower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy. hydroxylower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, or lower alkylthio; and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, mono-halo-lower alkyl, acyloxylower alkyl, carbalkoxy, mono-lowcr alkylaminolower alkyl, or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl at least one of R and R being a mono-halo-lower alkoxy or mono-halo-lower alkyl group with a hydroxy group,

The conversion ofa compound of formula IX into the corresponding compound of formula I wherein the aliphatically bound halogen atom is replaced by a hydroxy group can be effected using conventional techniques as, for example, hydrolysis or alcoholysis of the corresponding acetate with catalytic amounts of a base. The reaction is expediently performed in the presence of an organic solvent. Suitable solvents for this purpose include alcohols, ketones. such as acetone, ethers such as dioxane, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, and the like and at temperatures between about room temperature and about the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture.

G. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein R signifies a lower alkylsulfinyl or lower alkylsulfonyl group can be prepared by oxidizing the lower alkylthio group of a compound of the formula wherein R,,R- R and R, are as described above; R signifies lower alkylthio and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl or carbalkoxy, and where, in the case that R signifies hydrogen, the nitrogen atom in the 4position can carry an oxygen atom. The oxidation of the lower alkylthio group in the compound of formula X yields a compound of the formula wherein R,,R R,-, and R are as described above, and

I5 where, in the case that R,-, signifies hydrogen, the

nitrogen atom in the 4-position can carry an oxygen atom; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, halo-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower 0 alkyl or carbalkoxy; and R signifies lower alkylsulfinyl or lower alkylsulfonyl.

The oxidation of the lower alkylthio group ofa compound of formula X can be effected with the aid of an oxidizing agent such as peracid, for example peracetic acid, perbenzoic acid and the like or hydrogen peroxide. The reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as halogenated hydrocarbon, i.e. carbon tetrachloride, acetic acid, and the like. Suitable temperatures for the purposes of this reaction are in the range of from about 50C to about 80C.

H. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein R R R R and R are as described above can be prepared by the cyclization of a compound of the formula wherein R through R, and R are as described above.

The cyclization of a compoundof formula XI can be effected in alkaline, neutral or acidic medium. Preferably, the reaction is carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethers, glacial acetic acid, alcohols, di-

methylformamide and the like. Temperatureand pressure are not critical factors but it is expedient to work at temperatures in a range of from about 0 to about 150C.

I. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein the R substituent signifies a hydroxy group can be prepared by hydrolyzing a compound of the formula R3-CH"R4 l N C R2 0 /O XII (15 C wherein R -R, and R are as described above and R signifies an acyl group.

The hydrolysis of the acyl group of a compound of formula XII can be effected following a variety of conventional techniques, for example, by alkaline or acidic hydrolysis or alcoholysis. The acidic hydrolysis is preferably effected by treatment of the starting material with an aqueous solution of a mineral acid such as bydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid and the like or a solution of an organic acid such as toluene sulfonic acid. Temperature and pressure are not critical to this reaction. However, the acid treatment is expediently carried out at room temperature. Further, the reaction is expediently effected in the presence of an aqueous medium which contains an organic solvent which is miscible with water such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like. The alkaline hydrolysis is preferably effected with aqueous alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and the like. Where a compound of formula XII bearing a carbalkoxy group as the R substituent is used as the starting material, the hydrolysis of the acyl group is expediently effected by alcoholysis for example with sodium ethoxide in ethanol or triethylamine in ethanol.

J. In a further process as ect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein R and R signify hydrogen and the nitrogen atom in the 4-position does not carry an oxygen atom can be prepared by the deoxidation of a compound of formula l a CH-RZZL' O N-c I /CH2 X II R1 C--==N wherein R R and R are as described above and R signifies lower alkoxy, halo-lower alkoxy, monolower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy, al koxy-lower alkoxy, or lower alkylthio, R being other than mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy.

The deoxidation of a compound of formula XIII can be achieved by following a variety of techniques. For example, the deoxidation can be effected by hydrogenation in the presence of Raney Nickel. This reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene and the like, alcohols. ethers such as dioxane, acetic ester and the like. The reaction is preferably effected at room temperature and normal or elevated pressure. The deoxidation can also be effected by treating a compound of formula XIII with a phosphorus trihalide such as phosphorus trichloride, preferably in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as hydrocarbons. i.e. benzene and the like. or chlorinated hydrocarbons. Temperature and pressure are not critical although the reaction is preferably effected at room temperature. Further. the deoxidation can also be effected with zinc andglacial acetic acid in g an organic solvent such as glacial acetic acid, chlorinated hydrocarbons. ethers, alcohols and the like. The reaction is expediently carried out at temperatures between about -20 to about 50C. The choice of the deoxidizing agent is largely governed by the functional groups present in molecule in order to avoid unfavorable side reactions as far as possible. Accordingly, when the starting material containing a halo-lower alkyl, halo-lower alkoxy lower alkylthio and/or nitro group in the molecule. one will expediently deoxidize with a phosphorus trihalide while when the starting material contains a hydroxy-lower alkyl and/or hydroxylower alkoxy group, Raney Nickel or zinc/glacial acetic acid will advantageously be employed.

K. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein the R and R substituents are hydrogen are prepared by dehydrating a compound of the formula CPI-R22 N--C X IV ca R1 wherein R and R are as described above; R signifies lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or alkoxy-lower alkoxy; and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, carbalkoxy, acyloxy-lower alkyl, or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, R being other than di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy.

The dehydration of a compound of formula XIV can be effected by treating the formula XIV compound with a carbodiimide such as cyclohexylcarbodiimide. The reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as hydrocarbons, i.e. benzene, toluene and the like, and ethers, such as dioxane and the like. Suitable temperatures for this reaction are in the range of from about 20 to about C. With this dehydration reaction the formation of the corresponding isomeric 3,4-dehydro derivatives is frequently observed. These 3,4-dehydro derivatives can, however, be readily isomerized to the desired 4.5- dehydro compounds, for example, by treatment with a base such as alkali alkoxides, i.e. sodium methoxide, triethylamine and the like.

L. In a further process aspect, a compound of the general formula CliR O lI- v /CH--R cu Nll wherein R,, R and R are as described above; R signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkyl-amino-lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy, or alkoxy-lower alkoxy; and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, carbalkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, or di-lower alkylaminolower alkyl, R being other than mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or di-lower alkylamino lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy, is oxidized or dehydrogenated at the 4,5-bond to yield a compound of the formula wherein R R and R are as described above; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, carbalkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl; and R," signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, di-Iower alkylaminolower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy, or alkoxylower alkoxy, R," being other than mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or di-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy. The oxidation of a compound of formula XV can be effected with bromine, chlorine, azodicarboxylic acid esters such as diethyl ester, halosuccinimides such as bromosuccinimide and haloamides such as chloroacetamide. The reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene and the like, halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbontetrachloride, and ethers such as dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and the like.

Further, the reaction is preferably effected at a temperature between about -70 and about 100C.

M. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein R is hydrogen can be prepared by saponifying and decarboxylating a compound of the general formula xvi? wherein R R R and R are as described above; R signifies lower alkyl; and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl. halo-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, mono-lower alkylamino-Iower alkyl, or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl.

Compounds of formula XVI can be saponified to the 3-carboxylic acid salts, for example, by treatment with alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and the like, alkaline earth hydroxides such as calcium hydroxide and the like or tertiary organic bases such as triethylamine. The decarboxylation of these 3-carboxylic acid salts occurs slowly on standing, more quickly on heating and spontaneously on acidification.

N. In a further process aspect of the present invention, a compound of formula i wherein R signifies hydroxy and R signifies carbalkoxy can be prepared by oxidizing a compound of the general formula wherein R -R, and R are as described above.

Compounds of formula XVII can be oxidized to the corresponding 3-hydroxy-3-carbalkoxy derivatives with air or oxygen in the presence of a base. The oxidation is expediently effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as others, i.e. tetrahydrofuran, dioxane and the like, alcohols, dimethylformamide and the like. Suitable bases for this purpose include alkali alkoxides, such as sodium methoxide, alkali hydrides, alkali amides and alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide. When using alkali hydroxides however a saponification of the carbalkoxy group present in the 3- position or an exchange of a halo atom for a hydroxy group in a halo-lower alkyl and/or halo-lower alkoxy substituted compound can simultaneously occur. In oxidizingstarting materials bearing these substituents the oxidation should not be effected using an alkali hydroxide. For the same reason, the use of an alkali hydroxide should be avoided in the presence of a carbalkoxy group substituent in the l-position.

O. In a further process aspect of the present invention, a compound of the general formula XVIII wherein R R and R are as described above; R signifies acyl and R signifies lower alkoxy, mono lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, dilower alkylamino lower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy or alkoxylower alkoxy, R being other than monolower aklylamino-lower alkoxy or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy, is treated with a base to yield the corresponding 4,5- dehydro compound, i.e. a compound of the formula wherein R R and R are as described above; and

R signifies lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy or alkoxy-lower alkoxy, Rf being other than mono-lower alkylamin-lower alkoxy or di-lower aIkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy.

The acid cleavage from a compound of Formula XVIII to yield a compound of formula Ij can be achieved with a strong base. Suitable bases include alkali hydrides such as sodium hydride, triethylamine, alkali amides such as sodium amide, alkali alkoxides such as sodium methoxide and the like in an anhydrous medium. In so doing, the reaction is expediently effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as ethers, alcohols, i.e. ethanol, hydrocarbons, i.e. benzene, toluene and the like, dimethylformamide and the like and at temperatures between about to about 120C. The acyl group present as the R substituent can be a lower alkanoyl such as acetyl, aroyl such as benzoyl, tosyl or mesyl. In the acid cleavage of a compound of Formula XVIII there may be formed as an intermediate product a compound of the formula II a XIX 31 CH R32 ca R6 wherein R R and R, are as described above; R signifies a mesyl or tosyl group; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, carbalkoxy or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl; and R signifies lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, or lower alkylsulfonyl R being other than di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy is converted into the corresponding 4,5-dehydro compound by treatment with a strong base.

The splitting off a mesyl or tosyl group from a compound of Formula XX can be achieved with a strong base such as alkali hydrides, i.e. sodium hydride, alkali alkoxides, i.e. sodium methoxide, triethylamine and alkali amides such as sodium amide and the like in an anhydrous medium. In so doing the reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an inert organic solvent such as ethers, alcohols, such as ethanol, hydrocarbons such a benzene, toluene and the like, dimethylformamide and the like using temperatures between about 0 and about C. Again with this reaction, as described above, an isomeric intermediate product of Formula XIX or a 3-carbalkoxy derivative thereof can occur. This intermediate product can be converted to the desired end product by treatment with a base.

Q. In a further process aspect of the present invention, a compound of formula I wherein the R group is an acyloxy-lower alkyl group can be prepared by treating a compound of the formula hydroxy-lower alkyl The esterification of a compound of formula lk to obtain a compound of formula I wherein the R substituent is an acyloxy-lower alkyl group can be effected utilizing any suitable acylating agent. Suitable acylating agents for this purpose include acid anhydrides such as acetic anhydride and acid chlorides such as acetylchloride, benzoylchloride and the like. The reaction conditions are not critical and are preferably selected in accordance with the esterification agent being employed. Room temperature or temperatures above or below can be employed depending upon the reagent chosen. The reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like, halogenated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride, dimethylformamide, pyridine and the like.

R. In a further process aspect of the present invention, compounds of formula I wherein the R substituent is an acyloxy-lower alkyl group can also be prepared by converting the aliphatically bound halogen atom of a compound of the formula halo-lower alkyl wherein R R and R are as described above; and

R signifies lower alkoxy, di-lower alkylaminolower alkoxy, alkoxy-lower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl, or lower alkylsulfonyl or the corresponding 4-oxide thereof in case R represents hydrogen to an acyloxy group.

The introduction of an acyloxy group into a compound of formula II above is expediently effected using a silver, sodium or potassium salt of the corresponding acid, i.e. potassium acetate and the like. The reaction is expediently carried out in the presence of an organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like, dimethylformamide, and ketones such as acetone, methylethyl ketone and the like. Depending upon the reagent, temperatures between room temperature and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture can be employed.

Compounds of formula I can be prepared by reducing corresponding 7-nitro-benzodiazepinones of formula I. The reduction can advantageously be effected by catalytic hydrogenation preferrably in the presence of Raney nickel. The hydrogenation is suitably performed in an inert solvent, e.g. a lower alkanol, such as methanol, ethanol, and ether, such as dioxane, and the like. The reaction temperature is not critical. It is advantageously chosen between 10C and the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, conveniently around room temperature.

The starting materials employed in the various process aspects described above can be prepared by reference to the pertinent alternate process aspects. In particular, the 4-des0xy compounds of formulae VI. VII,

IX, X, XVI and XVII which do not carry a hydroxy group in the 3-position can be obtained by employing the process varient H described hereinbefore. The corresponding 4-oxides of formulae VI, IX, X, XVI, described above and of formula XXI described below, insofar as they are not accessible by employment of the process varient described hereinbefore under A can be obtained by oxidation of the corresponding 4-desoxy compound, for example by treatment with peracids such as peracetic acid in an organic solvent such as acetic acid, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and the like.

The 3-hydroxy compounds of formulae VI, IX, X and XVI can, for example, be manufactured by treating a compound of the general formula wherein R -R and R are as described above with an anhydride, sulphide or halide of an aliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic carboxylic acid. The reaction brings about a splitting off of the oxygen atom in the 4- position with simultaneous acyloxylation of the carbon atom in the 3-position. The reaction is expediently carried out in an inert organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like, halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride and the like: and dimethylformamide. When using an acid anhydride or a diacyl sulphide as the acylating agent, these acid anhydrides or diacyl sulphides can also serve directly as the reaction medium. Subsequent hydrolysis of the resulting 3-acyloxy derivatives yield the 3-hydroxy'derivatives. The hydrolysis can be effected following the procedures set forth in process aspect I.

The 3-hydroxy compounds of formula VI can also be prepared from corresponding compounds unsubstituted in the 3-position-by' treatment with a halogenatin g agent which displays a group (wherein X signifies halogen). The corresponding 3-halo compound obtained can then be converted, for example, by reaction with an acetate or an alcohol, into the 3-acetoxy or 3-alkoxy compound. The resulting 3-acetoxy or 3-alkoxy compound can then be converted into the desired 3-hydroxy compound by hydrolysis, for example, by treatment with a base in a solvent (e.g., methanolic NaOH). Suitable halogenating agents for this purpose include N-chlorosuccinimide, N- bromosuccinimide, N-halo-lower alkanoyl amides and the like. The halogenation is expediently effected in the presence of an inert organic solvent. Suitable solvents include hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and the like, and chlorinated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride and the like. Temperature and pressure are not critical for this process and. therefore, the reaction can be conducted at room temperature or elevated temperatures and at atmospheric pressure. Further, the reaction is preferably effected in the presence of a catalyst which results in the formation of a radical in the reaction mixture as, for example. azo-bis-(lower alkyl nitriles) such as azodiisobutyronitrile and the like.

Compounds of formula VII are all accessible utilizing l process aspect C described above. Compounds of formula VIII can be obtained by analogy to process aspect C described above. employing a suitable amine with a protecting group.

Compounds of formula XI can be manufactured fol lowing conventional techniques. For example, the formula XI compounds can be prepared by reacting a carbobenzoxyglycylamido-benzophenone of the general formula or a 2-benzoyl-phthalimido-acetanilide of the general formula or a tert.-butoxy-glycylamidobenzophenone of the general formula wherein in formulae XXII. XXIII and XXIV, R and R are as described above with a compound of formula III above and subsequently splitting off the carbobenzoxy residue. or the phthalimide residue or the tert.-butoxycarbonyl residue. If necessary. an aliphatically bound halogen atom 5 can be exchangedfor a hydro'xy group or a mon'oalkylamino or dialkylamino group or an alkylthio group can be oxidized to an alkylsulphinyl or alkylsulphonyl group before the splitting off. The reaction of a compound of formula XXII. XXIII or XXIV with a compound of formula III can be effected in the manner stated above for the reaction of a compound offormula II with a compound of formula III. The splitting off of the carbobenzoxy residue can be carried out by catalytic hydrogenation or by means of a hydrohalic acid in the presence of acetic acid. The catalytic hydrogenation can be effected in, for example, glacial acetic/HCI or ethanol/HCI. The splitting off by means of a hydrohalic acid in glacial acetic can be effected in the pres ence of an inert organic solvent such chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g., methylene chloride) and the like and at temperatures between 20 and room temperature. The splitting off of the phthalimide residue is expediently undertaken by hydrazinolysis in an inert organic solvent such as alcohols, ethers such as dioxane, di-

XXII

methylformamide and the like and at temperatures between room temperature and C. The splitting off XXIII of the tert.-butoxycarbonyl residue can be carried out with trifluoroacetic acid and in an organic solvent such XXIV l 1 xxv wherein R is as described above and R signifies halogen with a compound of the general formula X-CHR XXVI COOC H XXVII CH OH XXVIII wherein R R R and R are as described above. The resulting compound offormula XXVlll is then oxidized to the corresponding Z-carboxaldehyde The 2- carboxaldehyde is then oximized to yield a compound of the formula XXIX wherein R R R and R are as described above. The resulting compound of formula XXIX is then reduced to yield a compound of the formula 22 ss'f zn N /CH2NH2 l xxx wherein R R R and R are as described above. The resulting compound of the formula XXX can then be oxidized to the desired compound of formula XI.

However, a compound of formula XXVll can also be converted into an amide of the general formula XXXI wherein R R R and R are as described above by conventional techniques and the compound then reduced to the corresponding compound of formula XXX.

The reaction of a compound of formula XXV with a compound of formula XXVI can be effected in the manner stated above for the reaction ofa compound of formula II with a compound of formula III. The conversion of a halo-lower alkoxy or halo-lower alkyl group into a mono or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or monoor di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl group can be effected in the manner stated. for a compound of for mula VI. The reduction ofa Compound of the formulae XXVII, XXIX and XXX is expediently effected with a reducing agent such as lithium aluminum hydride and in an inert organic solvent such as ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran and the like). The oxidation of a compound of formula XXVllI is expediently effected with an oxidizing agent such as manganese dioxide and in an inert organic solvent such as hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene), chlorinated hydrocarbons such as methylene chloride and at temperatures between about room temperature and about the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture. The oximization of the 2-carboxaldehyde obtained is achieved with hydroxylamine. This reaction is expediently effected in a solvent such as water, alcohols, ethers, triethylamine, pyridine and the like and at temperatures between about room temperature and about the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture. The oxidation of a compound of formula XXX can be effected with an oxidizing agent such as chromium tri oxide in glacial acetic acid. Compounds of formula XXX are expediently oxidized and cyclized without isolation of a compound of formula XI.

Compounds of formula Xll can be manufactured by treatment of a corresponding -4-0xide with an acid anhydride, sulphide or halide in the manner described for the reaction of a compound of formula XXl.

Compounds of formula Xlll can be manufactured by employing process aspects A. C, D, E and F described above.

Compounds of formula XlV can be obtained by reduction of the corresponding 4-oxide of the general formula N CO\ 2 xxxn R \C N wherein R R R and R are as described above; in the presence of platinum oxide. This reaction is expediently effected in the presence of an organic solvent such as glacial acetic, alcohols and at a temperature be' tween about 0 and 50C., preferably at room temperature.

Compounds of formula XIV can also be prepared by the reaction of a compound of the general formula aff 22 N co XXXIII N/ H2 R1 cn wherein R and R are as described above and R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, or di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl, with a compound of the general formula XXXIV reaction of a corresponding l-unsubstituted compound with a compound of formula III in accordance with process A and possible subsequent reaction in accordance with the processes described in aspects C E.

Compounds of formula XVIII can be manufactured by acylation of a corresponding 4-hydroxy-substituted compound of formula XIV or an analogue thereof which is obtained in analogy to the manufacture of compounds of formula XIV. Suitable acylating agents are, for example, acid anhydrides such as acetic acid anhydride, acid halides and the like. One expediently works in the presence of a base as acid-acceptor, such as pyridine and the like, and in an organic solvent such as hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ethers and the like at temperatures between about and 100C. In the case where a monoalkylamino group is present as the substituent in the l-position, this group is preferably protected (e.g. by a carbobenzoxy group or an equivalent protecting group) before the acylation. The carbobenzoxy group can again be removed in the manner described herein.

Compounds of formula XX can be obtained by acylation (e.g. with a tosyl or mesyl halide) of a corresponding 4,5-dihydro compound of formula XV or an analogue thereof which is obtained in analogy to the manufacture of compounds of formula XV. One expediently works in an inert organic solvent such as hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene), chlorinated hydrocarbons and the like and in the presence of an acid-acceptor such as pyridine and the like and at temperatures between 0C. and reflux temperature of the reaction mixture.

Compounds of formula XXI can be manufactured from corresponding compounds of formula XVIII or XX in the manner described herein. Moreover, compounds of formula XXI can be manufactured by introduction of a substituent into a l-unsubstituted com pound in accordance with the methods A, C, D, E and F described herein. However, with this reaction an isomerisation to a 4,5-dehydro compound can simultaneously be effected. It is to be pointed out that the respective starting materials do not necessarily have to be employed in isolated state, but can also be further reacted without isolation from the reaction mixture in which they have been manufactured.

Compounds of formula I and I above which are basic in character, form acid addition salts with inorganic or organic acids. Suitable acids for the purpose include hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrobromic acid, citric acid, sulphuric acid, acetic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid and the like.

Compounds of formula I and I above, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and sedatives. Their use ful anticonvulsant activity is demonstrated in warm blooded animals utilizing the standard pentamethylenetetrazole test. In this test, following the method of Orloff (Proc. Soc. Exptl. Biol. Med., 70, 254-257, I949 7-nitro-5-phenyl- 1 -methoxymethyl-l ,3- dihydro-2I-l-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, which displays an LD of 600-1200 mg/kg (p.o.), shows an APR 2.0 of 0.5 mg/kg (p.o.) [by APR 2.0 is understood that dose in mg/kg of an anticonvulsant which brings about double the pentetrazole consumption in comparison to the untreated control group], 7-nitro-5-phenyl-lethoxymethyl-l ,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one (LD l200-2500 mg/kg p.o.) shows an APR 2.0 of 0.2 mg/kg (p.o.) and 7-nitro-5-phenyl-l-[(2- chloroethoxy )-methyl]- 1 ,3-dihydro-2H l ,4- benzodiazepin-2-one (LD,-,,, 5000 mg/kg p.o.) shows am APR 2.0 of 1.8 mg/kg (p.o.). In contrast thereto, phenobarbital, a commonly used anticonvulsant, shows an APR 2.0 of 30 mg/kg. The muscle relaxant activity is demonstrated in warm blooded animals utilizing the standard rotating rod test. For example, the abovementioned 7-nitro-5-phenyll -methoxymethyl-l ,3- dihydro-ZH- l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one shows an HD of 2 mg/kg (p.o.), 7-nitro-5-phenyl-l-ethoxymethyl-l.3- dihydro-2H l ,4-benzodiazepin-2one shows an HD of 5 mg/kg (p.o.) and 7-nitro-5-phenyl-l- [(Z-chloroethoxymethyl ]-l ,3-dihydro-2H-l ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one shows an HDM] of 0.5 mg/kg (p.o.).

Compounds of formula I and I, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can accordingly be used as medicaments; for example, in the form of pharmaceutical preparations which contain them or their salts in admixture with a pharmaceutical organic or inorganic inert carrier material which is suitable for enteral or parenteral application such as, for example, water, gelatin, lactose, starches, magnesium stearate, talc, vegetable oils, gums, polyalkyleneglycols, Vaseline, etc. The pharmaceutical preparations can be submitted in solid form (e.g. as tablets, dragees, suppositories, capsules), or in liquid form (e.g. as solutions, suspensions or emulsions). They may be sterilized and/or contain additives such as preserving, stabilizing, wetting or emulsifying agents, salts for varying the osmotic pres sure or buffers. They can also contain other therapeutically valuable substances. The dosage follows individual requirements, but a disage of 0.1 mg/kg-lO mg/kg/day is preferred.

As is evident from the above the invention in its broadest aspect encompasses compounds of the formula wherein R," signifies halogen, nitro or amino; R signifies phenyl, rnono-halo phenyl or pyridyl; R signifies hydrogen, lower alkyl, hydroxy lower alkyl, halo lower alkyl, carbalkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkyL, di-lower alkylamino-lower alkyl or acyloxy-lower lower alkyl; R, signifies lower alkoxy, halo-lower alkoxy, amino-lower alkoxy, mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, dilower alkylamino-lower alkoxy, hydroxy-lower alkoxy, alkoxylower alkoxy, lower alkylthio, lower alkylsulfinyl or lower alkylsulfonyl; R, being other than mono-lower alkylamino-lower alkoxy or dilower alkylamino-lower alkoxy in case R stands for carbalkoxy; R,-, signifies hydrogen or hydroxy; R signifies hydrogen or carbalkoxy; and where, in the case that R, and R signifies hydrogen, the nitrogen atom in the 4-position can carry an oxygen atom as well as the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The following Examples further illustrate the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 8.1 g (0.15 mol) of sodium methylate are added with stirring to a solution of 28 g (0.1 mol) of 1.3-dihydro-7- nitro--phenyl-2H-l.,4-benzodiazepin-2one in 150 ml of dimethylformamide cooled to l5. After the mixture has been stirred at l5 to l0 for 10 minutes, it is cooled to "50 and 12 ml (0.16 mol) of chloromethyl methyl ether are added dropwise at 5 0 to -40. After the addition, the temperature is allowed to rise to within 15 minutes. The dark-brown reaction mixture is poured onto l liter of water and the flocculated material is separated off. This is taken up in methylene chloride. the methylene chloride solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residue is crystallized from ehter and recrystallized from benzene-alcohol, to yield 1,3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2HO l ,4 benzodiazepin-Z-one, m.p. 13914l.

EXAMPLE 2 A solution of 13.5 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-5 phenyl-2H-l,4 benzodiazepi:n-2-one in 150 ml of dimethylformamide is cooled to l0 and treated with 4 g of sodium methylate. After it has been stirred for 15 minutes at l0 to 0 under a nitrogen atmosphere, it is cooled to 40 and 6 ml of chloromethyl methyl ether are added dropwise. After the addition, the temperature is allowed to rise to 0 within 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is poured onto 1 liter of water and the resin which has separated out separated off. This is taken up in methylene chloride, the solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on 300 g of silica gel with the solvent system methylene chloridezethyl acetate 9:1 to yield chromatographically pure 7-chlorol,3-dihydro-1(methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Zone.

EXAMPLE 3 In accordance with the manner described in Example 2, from 7.5 g of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3- dihydro-ZH-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, 2 g of sodium methylate and 3.1 g of chloromethyl methyl ether there are obtained 8.6 g of crude product. Crystallization from ether and recrystallization from methanol yields pure 7-chloro-5(o chlorophenyhl ,3-dihydro-1- (methoxymethyl)-2l-ll ,4-benzodiazepin'2-one, m.p. l39-140.

EXAMPLE 4 In accordance with the manner described in Example 2, from 7.9 g of 5(o-chlorophenyl)-l,3-dihydro-7- nitro-ZH-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one with 2 g of sodium methylate and 3.1 g of chloromethyl methyl ether in 50 ml of dimethylformamide there are obtained 9.5 g of crude product. This is chromatographed on 200 g of silica gel with 20% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride. The uniform fractions are crystallized from ether and recrystallized from methanol yielding 5-(0- chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydrol-(methoxymethyl)-7- nitro-2H-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, m.p. l36l 37.

EXAMPLE 5 EXAMPLE 4 g of sodium methylate are added to a solution of 14 g of l,3dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-l ,4- bcnzodiazepin-Z-one in ml of dimethylformamide. cooled to 20". After the mixture has been stirred at l0 for 10 minutes, it is cooled to 50 and 7 g of chloromethylethyl ether are added dropwise within 5 minutes. After the addition, the temperature is allowed to rise to -20 within 30 minutes. The reaction mixture is stirred into 1 liter of water, the precipitated resin is separated off, dissolved in methylene chloride and the solution washed with bicarbonate solution and water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residue (17g) is chromatographed on 300 g of silica gel with 10% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride.

The uniform fractions, crystallized from ether, give l-(ethoxymethyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, m.p. lO5107, after recrystallization from alcohol.

EXAMPLE 7 A solution of 13.5 g of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-5- phenyl-Zl-l-l, 4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 150 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to 10, is treated with 5.4 g of sodium methylate and stirred at 10 to for 10 minutes. It is thereupon cooled to 40 and 9.5 g of 1- chloroethyl methyl ether are added dropwise within 5 minutes. After the addition, the temperature is allowed to rise to 0 within 40 Ixwutes. The usual working up yields 15.5 g of crude product which is chromatographed on 300 g of siiiu gel with ethyl acetate in methylene chloride. The uniform fractions crystallize from ether/hexane. Recrystallization from methylene chloride-hexane gives 7-ch1oro-1,3-dihydro-l-(lmethoxyethyl )-5-phenyl-2H- l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, m.p. 131l32.

EXAMPLE 8 A solution of 14 g of l,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl- 2H-1,4 -benzodiazepin-2-one in 100 ml of dimethylformamide is cooled to and treated with 4 g of sodium methylate. After 10 minutes stirring at 10, it is cooled to 50 and 7 g of l-chloroethyl methyl ether are added dropwise within 5 minutes. The temperature is raised to 20 within minutes and the reaction mixture worked up as usual. The 1,3-dihydro-l-(lmethoxyethyl)-7-nitro-5-pheny1-2H-l ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one obtained crystallizes from ether and melts at l89-190C after recrystallization twice from methanol.

EXAMPLE 9 In accordance with the manner described in Example 8, the alkylation of 28 g of l,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5- phenyl-ZH-l,4-benzodiazepin2-one in 200 ml of dimethylformamide with 8 g of sodium methylate and 16 g of 1chloroethy1 ethyl ether yields 13.5 g of product of m.p. 170-173. After recrystallization from alcohol, the l l-ethoxyethyl)-1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl 21-1-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one melts at 172174.

EXAMPLE 10 In analogous manner to that in Example 8, by reaction of 28.1 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in 200 ml of dimethylformamide with 8 g of sodium methoxide and 16.2 g of chloromethyl propyl ether there is obtained, after chromatography of the crude product on 500 g of silica gel with 5% ethyl acetone in methylene chloride, 1,3-dihydro-7- nitro-5-phenyll -(propoxymethyl )-2H-l ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one which melts at 7376 after recrystallization from alcohol.

EXAMPLE 11 The alkylation of 28.1 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5- phenyl-ZH-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one dissolved in 200 ml ofdimethylformamide with 8 g of sodium methoxide and 22.6 g of chloromethyl hexyl ether yields, after chromatography on 600 g of silica gel with 10% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride, 1,3-dihydro-1- (hexyloxymethyl )-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H- l ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one which, crystallized from ether, melts at lO8-l09.

EXAMPLE 12 By reaction of 28.1 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5- phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one with 8 g of sodium methoxide and 18.6 g of chloromethyl (Zmethoxy) ethyl ether, in accordance with the procedures in Example 8, 1,3-dihydro-l[(2-methoxyethoxy)- methyl]-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-l ,4-benzodiazepine-2-one is obtained by crystallization from methanol. A product of melting point l20-121 is obtained after recrystallization from methanol.

EXAMPLE 13 A solution of 28.1 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl- ZH-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 200 ml of dimethylformide is cooled to l0 ad treated with 8 g of sodium methoxide. After it has been stirred at 20 for 10 minutes, 20.7 g of methyl 2-chloro-Z-methoxy-acetate are added dropwise at 40. The temperature is allowed to rise to 10 within 30 minutes and the reaction mixture is poured with stirring onto 500 ml of water. The flocculated product is filtered off by suction, washed with water and taken up in methylene chloride. The methylene chloride solution is dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from methanol yields methyl 2,3-dihydro-a-methoxy-7- nitro-2-oxo-phenyl-1H-l,4-benzodiazepine-1-acetate which melts at 157-l59 after recrystallization from methanol.

EXAMPLE 14 In analogous manner to that in Example 13, from 27.1 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in 400 ml of dimethylformamide, 8 g of sodium methoxide and 20.7 g of methyl 2-chloro- Z-methoxy-acetate there is obtained methyl 7-chloro- 2,3-dihydro-0z-methoxy-2-oxo-5-phenyll H-l .4-benzodiazepine-l-acetate which melts at ll96 after recrystallization from methanol/methylene chloride.

EXAMPLE 15 8 g of sodium methoxide are added to a solution of 28.1 g of l,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-l .4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in ml of dimethylformamide. cooled to 20. The mixture is stirred at this temperature for 5 minutes and then cooled to 50. 19.3 g of chloromethyl 2-chloroethyl ether are added dropwise at 50 to 40. After the addition. the temperature is allowed to rise to 20 within 15 minutes. The mixture is poured with stirring onto 500 ml of water, the precipit ated material is separated off and taken up in methylene chloride. After drying over sodium sulphate. the methylene chloride solution is evaporated and the residue crystallized from alcohol. The crystals filtered off by suction are washed with alcohol and eyhcr and dried. 1-[(2-chloroethoxy)methy11-1,3-dihydro-7- nitro-5-phenyl-2H-l,4-benzodiazcpin-2-one of melting point 9799 is obtained after recrystallization from alcohol.

EXAMPLE 16 The reaction of 27.1 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-5- pheny1-2H-4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 300 ml of dimethylformamide with 8 g of sodium methoxide and 19.3 g of chloromethyl 2-ch1oroethyl ether gives, under the conditions described in Example 51, 7-chloro-l[(2- chlroethoxy1)-methyl]-1 ,3-dihydro--phenyl-2l-ll ,4 benzodiazepin-2-one (crystallized from methanol) of m.p. 96-98.

A second crystal modification shows an m.p. of 128130.

EXAMPLE 17 A solution of 14.5 g of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro5-(ochlorophenyl)-2H-l ,4-benzodiazepin2-one in 50 ml of dimethylformamide is cooled to 20 and treated with 4 g of sodium methoxide. It is stirred at this temperature for 5 minutes and then cooled to -50. After the dropwise addition of 7 g of chloromethyl 2-chloroethyl ether, the temperature is allowed to rise to 20 within 15 minutes and the mixture is worked up as usual. The crude product is chhromatographed on 250 g of silica gel with ethyl acetate in methylene chloride. After crystallization from ether, the uniform fractions yield 7-chloro l [2-chloroethoxy)methyl15(0- chlorophenyl)-l,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one of melting point 9293. A second crystal modification melts at l3l-133.

EXAMPLE 18 A solution of 14 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl- 2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 100 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to 20, is treated with 4 g of sodium methoxide and stirred for 5 minutes. After cooling to -50, 9.7 g of 1 ,2-dichloro-l-methoxy-ethane are added dropwise. The temperature is allowed to rise to --1O Within 30 minutes. After the usual working up, the crude product is crystallized from methanol.

After recrystallization from methylene chloridemethanol, there is obtained pure 1-(2-chloro-1- methoxy-ethyl)-l,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5phenyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one, melting point 162164.

EXAMPLE 19 The reaction of 27.1 g of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-5 phenyl-ZH-1,4-benzocliazepin-2-one with 8 g of sodium methoxide and 19.5 g of 1,2-dichloro-l-methoxyethane as described in Example 18 gives, after recrystallization from methylene chloride-methanol, pure 7- chloro-l-[2-chloro-l-methoxyethyll-1,3-dihydro-5- pheny1-2l-l-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, melting point 152155.

EXAMPLE 20 A stirred suspension of 36.3 g of 7-ch1oro'1-[(2- chloroethoxy)methyl]-l,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2H-lbenzodiazepin-Z-one and 22.4 g of potassium phthalimide in 300 ml of dimethylformamide is heated to reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere for 20 minutes. After cooling. it is filtered and the filtrate evaporated in high vacuum. The residue is taken up in benzene, the solution filtered and again evaporated. The residue, dissolved in ml of methanol is treated with 10 m1 of ether and, after seeding, crystallized with stirring. Seeding crystals can be obtained by chromatographic purification. After recrystallization from methylene chloride-methanol, there are obtained 29 g of 7-chloro-l,3- dihydro-S-phenyl-l-[(2-phthalmido-ethoxy)methyl]- 2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one of m.p. 138130.

14.7 g of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-l-[(2- phthalimidoethoxy)methyl]-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one are boiled under reflux for 2 hours in 200 ml of alcohol in the presence of 3.5 g of hydrazine hydrate. After cooling to 0, the phthalazine crystallized out is filtered off by suction and the filtrate evaporated. The residue is partitioned between 2-N acetic acid and ether. The aqueous phase is washed with ether, filtered and made alkaline with 2-N caustic soda. The precipitated base is extracted with ether. The extracts are washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residue is taken up in alcohol and adjusted to pH 5-5.5.with ethanolic hydrochloric acid. After evaporation, the residue may be crystallized from acetic ester-methanol yielding 1-[(2-aminoethoxy)- methy- 7-chloro-l ,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2l-l-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one hydrochloride, m.p. 14-7-150.

EXAMPLE 21 A solution of 3.63 g of 7-chl-oro- 1 -[(2-ch1oroethoxy methyl]-l ,3-dihydro-5-phenyl-2l-i-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 30 ml of dimethylformamide is treated with 1.65 g of potassium acetate and'boiled under reflux in a nitrogen atmosphere for 15 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, 50 ml. of water is added dropwise. The resin which has separated out is separated off and taken up in methylene chloride. The solution, washed with water and dried over sodium. sulphate, is evaporated, and the residue purified by chromatography on 100 g. of silica gel with the solvent system methylene chloride- :ethyl acetate 4:1. There is obtained l-[(2- acetoxyethoxy )methyl ]7-chlorol ,3-dihydro-5- phenyl-Zl-l-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one which, crystallized from ether-hexane, melts at 9294.

8 g. of l-[(2-acetoxyethoxy)methy1]-7-chloro-l,3- dihydro-S-phenyl-ZH- 1 ,4-benzodiazepin-2'one are dissolved warm in 100 ml. of absolute methanol. The solution, treated with 0.2 g. of sodium methoxide, is allowed to stand for 1 hour. After addition of 0.4 ml. of glacial acetic, it is concentrated in vacuum, the residue partitioned between methylene chloride and water and the organic phase dried and evaporated. The residue crystallizes on triturating with ether to yield 7-chloro- 1,3-dihydro-1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methy1]-5-phenyl- 2H-1 ,4-benzodiazepin-2one, m.p. 129-l31.

EXAMPLE 22 A suspension of 16 g. of anhydrous potassium acetate in 300 ml. of toluene and 500 ml. of dimethylformamide is heated with stirring. After distillation of 400 ml. of solvent, 36 g. of 7chlorol-[(2-chloro-lmethoxy)ethyl]-1,3 dihydro-fi -phenylll-i-l,4- benzodiazepin2one are added. The reaction mixture is heated to reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere for 5 minutes. After cooling to 5, 800 ml of water are added and the resin which has separated out is separated off. This is taken up in methylene chloride. the solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. From the solution or" the residue in ether, there first of all crystallize 4 g of 7-chloro l ,3-dihydro- 1-[(2-hydroxyl -methoxy)ethyl]--phenyl 2H- 1 ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one. The mother liquid is boiled up with a little active charcoal. filtered. treated with hexane and. after seeding, crystallized. Seeding crystals of pure l-[(2-acetoxy-l-methoxy)-ethyl]-7-chloro-l,3- dihydro*5phenyl-2H-l, 4-benzodiaZepine-2-one with m.p. l-l1l (from alcohol) can be obtained by chromatography on silica gel with ethyl acetate in methylene chloride.

The product crystallized from the seeded solution melts at l l01 1 1 after recrystallization from alcohol.

3 g of l-[(2-acetoxy-lmethoxy)ethyll-7-chloro-1.3 dihydro-S-phenyl-Zl-l-l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one are dissolved hot in ml of methanol and treated with 0.1 g of sodium methoxide. The material crystallizing from the cooled solution overnight is filtered off by suction. washed with methanol and dried. After recrystallization from alcohol, there is obtained 7-chlorol,3- dihydro-1-[(2-hydroxy-lmethoxy-)ethyl]-5-phenyl- 2H-l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, melting point l57-159.

EXAMPLE 23 8 g of sodium methoxide are added to a solution of 28 g of 1,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2l-l-l ,4 benzodiazepin-2one in 100 ml of dimethylformamide; cooled to lO. The mixture is stirred at 10 for 15 minutes and thereupon cooled to 30". 17 g of chloromethyl methyl sulphide are added dropwise at this temperature, and after the addition, the mixture is stirred without cooling for 4 hours. The reaction mixture is poured onto 500 ml of water and 25 ml of Z-N acetic acid. The aqueous solution is decanted off from the precipitated resin. This is taken up in methylene chloride, the solution washed with water, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. After chromatography on 500 g of silica gel with the solvent system methylene chloride: ethyl acetate 4:1, the residue yields 1.3- dihydro-1-[(methylthio)methyl]-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, mp. 139140. The sulphide melts at l42-143 after recrystallization from alcohol.

EXAMPLE 24 8 g of sodium methoxide are added to a solution of 27 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-5phenyl 2l-l-1 ,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in 300 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to lO. After 10 minutes, 17 g of chloromethyl methyl sulphide are added dropwise. After the mixture has been stirred for 2 hours without cooling, 8 g of sodium methylate and 17 g of chloromethyl methyl sul phide are again successively added at lO. The reaction mixture is allowed to stir for a further 2 hours without cooling and poured onto 1 liter of water and 50 ml of ZN acetic acid. The crude product obtained after usual working up is chromatographed on 500 g of silica gel with 10% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride. By crystallization of the homogeneous fractions from oth er-hexane, there is obtained 7chloro-1.3-dihydro-1 [(methylthio)methyH-S-phenyl-ZH-1,4-benzodiazepin- Z-one. mp ll5117.

EXAMPLE 25 A solution of 15 g of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)- l,3-dihydro-2H-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 150 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to "10, is treated with 5 g of a 50% suspension of sodium hydride in mineral oil. The mixture is allowed to stir for 15 minutes. and then 10 g of chloromethyl methyl sulphide are added. After I hour, the mixture is poured onto ice-water and the product extracted with ether. The extracts, washed with water and dried over sodium sulphate, are evaporated. The residue obtained is chromatographed on 400 g of silica gel with 20% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride. After crystallization from ether the uniform fractions yield 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,3- dihydro-l-[(methylthio)methyll-ZH-1,4- benzodiazepin 2-one which melts at l27l29 after recrystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane.

EXAMPLE 26 25 ml of 15% peracetic acid are added dropwise to a solution of 7 g of 1,3-dihydro-l- [(methylthio)methyll-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2l-l-l,4- benzodiazepin-2one in ml of methylene chloride. cooled to -10". After the addition, the mixture is stirred at 10 for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture is washed with 10% soda solution, the methylene chloride phase separated off. dried and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from ethyl acetate yields 1,3- dihydro-l-[(methylsulphinyl)methyl]-7-nitro-5- phenyl-ZH-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one, m.p. l-l92.

EXAMPLE 27 A solution of 10 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-l-lmethylthio) methyl]5-phenyl-2H-l, 4- benzodiazepin-2-one in ml of methylene chloride is cooled to 10 and treated dropwise with 15 ml of 40% peracetic acid. After 15 minutes. the reaction mixture is washed with 10% soda solution. dried and evaporated. Chromatography of the residue on 200 g of silica gel with 10% alcohol in ethyl acetate gives, after crystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane. 7-chloro-l ,3-

dihydro-l-[(methylsulphiny1) methyll-S-phenyl-Zl-ll.4-benzodiazepin-2one, m.p. l58l 59.

EXAMPLE 28 EXAMPLE 29 After addition of 6 ml of 40% peracetic acid. a solution of3.75 g of l.S-dihydro-l-[(methylsulphinyl) met hyl]-7-nitro-5-phenyl2ll-l.4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 50 ml of methylene chloride is stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The crude product obtained after usual working up crystallizes from alcohol-methylene chloride to yield 1,3-dihydro-l-(methylsulphonyl)- methyl-7-nitro-5phenyl-ZH-l .4-benzodiazepin-2-one which melts at l90192 after recrystallization from the same solvent mixture.

EXAMPLE 30 The analogous oxidation to that in Example 29 of 3.5 g of 7-chlorol .3-dihydrol l(methylsulphinyl)methyl]-5-phenyl-2H-l .4- benzodiazepin-2-one with 6 ml of 40% peracetic acid in 50 ml of methylene chloride gives 7-chloro-l,3- dihydro-l-[(methylsulphonyl)methyll-S-phenyl-ZH- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one which displays a mp of l62l64 after recrystallization from ethyl acetateether. 5

EXAMPLE 31 In the same manner as in Example 29, by oxidation of 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)l.3-dihydro-1-[(methylsulphinyl) methyl l-2H- l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one there is obtained 7-chloro-5-(o-chlorophenyl)-1.3 dihydro-l [(methylsulphonyl)-methyl]-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one which crystallizes from alcohol with a molecule of solvent and melts at l lO-l with decomposition.

EXAMPLE 32 A solution of 28.7 g of 7-chloro-l,3-dihydro-5- phenyl-ZH-l.4-benzodiazepin-2-one 4-oxide in 200 ml of dimethylformamide is treated as with 8.1 g of 20 sodium methoxide and stirred for 5 minutes. 12 ml of chlorodimethyl ether are added dropwise with stirring at 20. After the addition, the mixture is allowed to stir without cooling for minutes. The reaction mix ture is poured onto 1 l. of water and worked up as usual. Crystallization of the crude product by seeding from methanolether gives 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl)-5phenyl-21-1-l,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one 4-oxide which melts at 164- l66 after recrystallization from alcohol. Seeding crystals are obtained by chromatography on silica gel with the solvent system methylene chloride: ethyl acetate 1:1.

EXAMPLE 33 75 ml of peracetic acid are added to a solution of g of l,3-dihydro-1-(methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5- phenyl-ZH- 1 ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one in 300 ml of methylene chloride. After 24 hours standing at room temperature, the solution is washed out with 10% soda so lution, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. Crystalliziation to the residue from methylene chlorideethyl acetate yields 1,3-dihydro-l-(methoxymethy1)-7- nitro-5-phenyl-2H- l ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one 4-oxide which displays a m.p. of 212-2l5 after recrystallization from the same solvent mixture.

EXAMPLE 34 17.5 g of 1,3-dihydro-1-(methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5- phenyl-ZH- 1 ,4-benzodiazepin-2-one 4-oxide are heated to boiling in a mixture of 180 ml of acetic anhydride and 300 ml of toluene. 200 ml of the solvent mixture are distilled off within 4 hours. The remaining solution is evaporated in vacuum, the residue taken up in methylene chloride, the solution washed with soda solution, dried and evaporated. Crystallization of the crude product obtained from methylene chloride-ether gives 3-acetoxy-l .3-dihydrol methoxymethyl )-7- nitro-5-phenyl-2H-l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one which, recrystallized from ethyl acetate-hexane, melts at l63-l65.

A solution of 26 g of 3acetoxy-1.3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2l-l 1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one in 400 ml of tetrahydrofuran and 200 ml of methanol is treated dropwise at 20 with ml of 2-N caustic soda. After the addition, the mixture is stirred for 15 minutes. buffered to pH 6 by addition of glacial acetic and concentrated in vacuum. The residue is partitioned between water and methylene chloride, the methylene chloride phase dried and evapo rated. Crystallization of the crude product from methylene chloride-ether yields 1.3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-l- (methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2H-1,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one. m.p. l6()-162.

EXAMPLE 35 The reaction described in Example 34 of 3.3 g of 7- chloro-l ,3-dihydro- 1 methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2H l,4-benzodiazepin-2-one 4-oxide with 30 ml of acetic anhydride in 50 ml of toluene and crystallization of the crude product from ether yields 2.6 g of 3-acetoxy-7- chlorol ,3-dihydrr1-(methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2l-l- 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one of im.p. l30132. The product melts at 13 1133 after recrystallization from ether.

6.3 g of 3-acetoxy-7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2H-l ,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one are dissolved warm in 200 ml of methanol. After cooling, 1.8 g of sodium metlhoxide are added. After 15 minutes, 2.5 ml of glacial acetic are added and the mixture is evaporated in vacuum. The residue is partitioned between methylene chloride and bicarbonate solution, the methylene chloride solution dried and evaporated. Crystallization from alcohol gives 7- chloro-l,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy -1-(methoxymethyl)-5- phenyl-ZH-l .4-benzodiazepin-2-one, m.p. 138139.

EXAMPLE 36 Crystallization of the residue from alcohol gives 1,3-

dihydro-1-(methoxymethyl)-7-nitro-5-phenyl-2l-1-l,4- benzodiazepin-Z-one, m.p. l3914l.

EXAMPLE 37 12 ml of 0.5-molar solution of bromine in chloroform are added to a solution of 0.95 g of 7-chloro-l- (methoxymethyl )-5-phenyll. ,3 ,4,5-tetrahydro-2H- l -4- benzodiazepin-Z-on in 15 ml of chloroform, cooled to l0. After the mixture has been stirred at O-5 for 30 minutes, 25 ml of 2N caustic soda are added and stirred for 30 minutes. The chloroform phase is separated off, washed with dilute caustic soda and water. dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on 30 g of silica gelwith 10% ethyl acetate in methylene chloride to yield 7-chloro-l,3dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2Hl ,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one.

The starting material can be manufactured as follows.

4.5 g of zinc dust are introduced portionwise into a solution of 3.3 g of 7-chloro-l 3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl )-5-phenyl-2H-l ,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one 4-oxide in 40 ml of methylene chloride and 10 ml of glacial acetic. After completed addition, the mixture is stirred for 30 minutes, filtered off and the filtrate washed with aqueous ammonia and with water, the methylene chloride solution dried and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from alcohol gives 2.4 g of 7-chloro-1.3.4,5-tetrahydro-l-(methoxymethyl)-5- phenyl-ZH-1.4-benzodiazepin-2-one of m.p. -1 36. The melting point rises to l36138 by recrystallization from alcohol.

EXAMPLE 38 0.67 g of 7-chloro-4-hydroxy-l-(methoxymethyl)-5- phenyl-l,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one and 0.63 g of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide are boiled under reflux in ml of toluene for 16 hours. The dicyclohexylurea is filtered off by suction and the filtrate extracted three times with 2-N hydrochloric acid. The extracts are made alkaline with ammonia and extracted with methylene chloride. The dried extracts are evaporated and the residue chromatographed on 15 g of silica gel with 10% acetic ester in methylene chloride, whereby there is obtained in non-crystalline form pure 7-ch1oro-l ,3-dihydro-1-(methoxymethy1)-5- phenyl-2l-l-1 4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

The starting material can be manufactured as fo1- lows.

3.3 g of 7-chloro-1,3-dihydro-l-(methoxymethyl)-5- phenyl 21-1-1.4-benzodiazepin-2-one 4-oxide are hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure and room temperature in ml of glacial acetic in the presence of 0.3 g of platinum oxide. After uptake of 400 ml of hydro gen, it is separated off from the catalyst and evaporated. The residue is take up in benzene and the solution extracted with 2-N hydrochloric acid. The benzene phase, which is thereupo washed with water, is dried and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from methanol yields 1.1 g of 7-ch1or0-4-hydroxy-1- (methoxymethy1)-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydro2H-1,4-

benzodiazepin 2-one of m.p. 168172. After recrystallization from methanol. the pure product melts at 173175.

The hydrochloric acid extracts are made alkaline with soda solution and extracted with methylene chloride. The dried extracts are evaporated and the residue likewise crystallized from methanol. There are obtained 1,4 g of 7-ch1oro-1-(methoxymethyU-S-phenyl- 1,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2H-l .4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

EXAMPLE 39 An aqueous solution of 0.37 g of 2-amino-2-benzoyl- 4-chloro-N-(methoxymethyl)-acetani1ide hydrochloride is made alkaline with dilute ammonia and the base which has separated out is extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts, dried over sodium sulphate, are evaporated and the residue boiled up'in 10 ml of methanol. After repeated evaporation, there is obtained in non-crystalline form 7-ch1oro-1,3-dihydro-1- (methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2one.

The starting material can be manufactured as follows.

2.2 g of sodium hydride suspension (50% in mineral oil) are added to a solution of 12.7 g of 2-benzoy1-2- (benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-4'-ch1oro-acetanilide in 150 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to lO. After 15 minutes stirring, 3.6 g of chlorodimethyl ether are added dropwise at 10. After the addition, the mixture is further stirred without cooling for 1 hour. The reaction mixture is poured onto 1 liter of water and repeatedly extracted with ether; The dried ether extracts are evaporated and the residue obtained chromatographed on 300 g of silica gel with 10% acetic ester in methylene chloride to yield 2-benzoyl-2- (benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-4-chloro-N'methoxymethyl-acetanilide.

2.4 g of 2-benzoyl-2-(benZyloxycarbonyl)-amino-4'- ch1oro-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide and hydrogenated in the presence of 500 mg of palladiumcharcoal (5%) and 360 mg of hydrogen chloride. The hydrogen uptake comes to a standstill after 30 minutes. The catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate evaporated in vacuum at 30. The residue crystallizes on triturating with methylene chloride-ethyl acetate-ether. After re-solution from methylene chloride-acetic cster, there is obtained Z-amino -20-benz0yl-4-chloro-N-(methoxy-methyl)- acetanilide hydrochloride of melting point l17-125-.

EXAMPLE 4O 1 g of 2-benzoyl-4-chloro-N-(methyloxymethyl)-2- phthalimide acetanilide are boilde under reflux in 30 ml of alcohol in the presence of 0.4 ml. of hydrazine hydrate for 1 /2 hours. After cooling, it is filtered off by suction from phthalazine which has crystallized out, the filtrate is evaporated, the residue taken up in ether. the solution obtained once more filtered and the residue remaining after evaporation chromatographed on 15 g of silica gel with 10% acetic ester in methylene chloride to yield pure 7-chlorol ,3-dihydro-1- (methoxymethyl)5-pheny1-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin- 2-one.

The starting material can be manufactured as follows.

1.5 g of sodium hydride suspension (50% in mineral oil) are added to a solution of 8.4 g of 2-benzo '1-4- chloro-2-phthalimide acentanilide (m.p. 218220) in ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to lO. After the mixture has been stirred for 15 minutes, 2.3 ml of chlorodimethyl ether are added dropwise at lO. After the addition, the temperature is allowed to rise to room temperature within 30 minutes and the reaction mixture is poured onto 500 ml of water and 10 ml of 2-N acetic acid. The flocculated material is separated off, taken up in methylene chloride, the solution dried and evaporated. The residue is chromatographed on 200 g of silica gel with 10% acetic ester in methylene chloride. The homogenous fractions crystallize on triturating with ether to yield pure 2'-benzoyl-4-chloro- N-(methoxymethyl)2-phthalimide-acetanilide. m.p. 150-152.

EXAMPLE 41 A solution of 1.5 g of chromium trioxide in 1.5 ml of water is diluted with 15 ml of glacial acetic and treated portionwise at 20 with 1.8 g of 2-aminomethyl-5- chloro-l(methoxymethyl) 3-pheny1indo1e hydrochloride. After the addition, it is stirred at room temperature of 1 /2 hours. With addition of ice, it is made alkaline with conc. ammonia and the bases are extracted with methylene chloride. The extracts, dired with sodium sulphate. are evaporated and the residue chr0- matographed on 40 g of silica gel with 10% acetic ester in methylene chloride. whereby there is obtained pure 7-chloro- 1 ,3-dihydro-1(methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl- 2H-1 .4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

The starting material can be manufactured as follows.

8.1 g of sodium methylate are added to a solution of of 5-chloro-3-phenylindole-Z-carboxylic acid ethyl ester in 150 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to 20. After 10 minutes. it is coolde to 40 and 12 ml ofchlorodimethyl ether are added dropwise. The temperature is allowed to rise to 10 within 30 minutes. the mixture is poured onto water. the oil which has separated out is separated off. the aqueous phase is extracted with hexane and the extracts are combined with the'oili The dried solution is evaporated and the residue dissolved in 101) ml of ether. This solution is added dropwise at 5 to a suspension of 17 g of lithium aluminium hydride in 150 ml of ether. After the addition, the mixture is allowed to stir without cooling for 15 minutes and hydrolyzed by dropwise addition of 35 ml of water. The precipitate is filtered off by suction. the filtrate dried with sodium sulphate and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from ether-hexane yields 18.6 g of -chloro l methoxymethyl )-3-phenylindole-Z-methanol which melts at 135-136 after recrystallization from etherhe.\ane.

37 g of manganese dioxide are added to a solution of 6.7 g of 5-chloro1-(methoxymethyl)-3-phenylindolelmethanol in 151) ml of methylene chloride. After 4 hours, a further 30 gof manganese dioxide are introduced into this stirred suspension. it is then further stirred for 20 hours. After filtration through Celite, the filtrate is concentrated and the residue crystallized from alcohol. There are obtained 59 g of needles of 5- chloro-1-(methoxymethyl)-3-phenylindole-2- carboxaldehyde of m.p. lO4-105.

A mixture of5.8 g of 5-chloro-1-( methoxymethyl)-3- phenylin-dole-2-carboxaldehyde, 3.9 g of potassium hydroxide, 4.2 g of hydroxylamine hydrochloride. 60 ml of alcohol and 6 ml of water is boiled under reflux for 45 minutes. On treating the reaction mixture with water, S-chlorol methoxymethyl J-3-phenyl-indole-2- carboxaldehyde oxime is obtained in crystalline form. After cooling-to 0, the crystals are filtered off by suction, washed with cold water and dried, (5.7g). M.p. l55-156 after recrystallization from alcohol.

5.5 g of 5-chloro-l-(methoxymethyl)-3- phenylindole-Z-carboxaldoxime are introduced por tionwise into a stirred suspension of 3 g of lithium aluminum hydride in 150 ml of ether. The reaction mixture is heated to reflux for 2 hours and then allowed to stand overnight. lt is hydrolyzed by dropwise addition of 15 m1 of water. The inorganic material is filtered off by suction, the filtrate dried with sodium sulphate and evaporated. The solution of the residue in alcohol is adjusted to pH 4-5 with alcoholic hydrochloric acid, concentrated in vacuum and treated with ether up to incipient crystallization. There are obtained 3.9 g of 2- aminomethyhichloro-l l(methoxymethyl)-3- phenylindole hydrochloride which melts at 186187 after recrystallization from methanol-ether.

EXAMPLE 42 0.8 g of sodium hydride suspension (50% in mineral oil) are introduced into a solution of3.42 g of7-chloro- 1,3-dihydro S-phenyI-ZHd,4-benzodiazepin-2-one-3- carboxylic acid ethyl ester in 30 ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to l0. After the mixture has been stirred at -l0 for 30 minutes, it is cooled to 40 and 1.3 ml of chlorodimethyl ether are added. The temper ature is allowed to rise to l0 within 30 minutes and the reaction mixture is poured onto 100 ml of water and ml of Z-N acetic acid. The flocculated product is separated off and taken up in methylene chloride. The dried methylene chloride solution is evaporated and the residue crystallized from methylene chlorideether to yield 7-chlorol .3-dihydrol (methoxymethyl)-5-phenyl2l-l- Ld-bcnzodiazepin-Z- one-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester which melts at 16l-164 after recrystallization from methylene chloride-ether.

EXAMPLE 43 3.9 g of 7-chl0ro-l.3-dihydro-l'(methoxyniethyU-S- phenyl-2H- 1, 4-benzodiazepin-2-one-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester are dissolved in 40 ml of dioxane and stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere .at room temperature for 6 hours in the presence of 6 ml of Z-N caustic soda and 30 m1 of water. The reaction mixture is shaken out with ehter, the aqueous phase separated off and acidified with Z-N hydrochloric acid until the precipitated material again goes into solution. it is thereupon made alkaline with ammonia and the base extracted with methylene chloride. After chromatographic purification of the crude base, there is obtained 7-chloro-1.3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyl )-5-phenyl-2lll ,4-benzodiazepin -2-one.

EXAli/IPLE 44 A solution of 9.7 g of 7-chloro-L3-dihydro-l- (methoxymethyll-S-phenyl-Zlil ,4--berizodiazepin'2- one-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester in 50 m1 of tetrahydrofuran is added to a solution of 0.5 g of sodium in 50 ml of absolute alcohol. A dry stream of air is led into the stirred solution at 10 for 4 hours. After addition of 2 ml of glacial acetic, the mixture is concentrated in vacuum and the residue partitioned between water and methylene chloride. The methylene chloride phase is separated off, dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated. By crystallization from alcohol, the residue yields 7-clilorol, 3-dihydro2-hydroxyl (methoxymethyl S-phenyI-ZE H ,4 benzodiazepin2- one-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, mp. l87l89.

EXAMPLE 45 A solution of 9 g of 7-chlor'o-l,3-dihydro3-hydroxy- 1 -(methoxymethyl )-5-phenyl-2l il ,4-benzodiazepin-2- one-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester in 75 ml of dioxrine is treated with l4 ml of 2N caustic soda and 60 mi of water and stirred at 26--28 for hours. The reaction mixture is shaken out with l5!) ml of ether, the aqueous phase separated off, adjusted to pH 78 with Z-N acetic acid, washed out twice with 50 mi of ether each time, separated off and concentrated to g in vacuum at 50. By addition of ml ofacetoiie, there are obtained 7.5 g of crystalline sodium salt.

0.5 g of this salt are boiled under reflux in ll) ml of glacial acetic for 10 minutes. After evaporation in vacuum, the residue is partitioned between bicarbonate solution and methylene chloride. The methylene chloride phase is dried and evaporated. Crystallization of the residue from alcohol yields 7-chioro1,3-dihydrof3- hydroxyl -(methoxyrnethyl )-5-phenyl -2ll-1,4-

benzodiazepinQ-one. mp. 6 l3 EXAMPLE 46 10.8 g of sodium methoxide are added to a solution of 28 g of l,3-dihydro-7-nitro-5-phenyl-ZH-l,4 benzodiazepin-Z-one in ml of dimethylformamide, cooled to 10. The reaction mixture is stirred for 5 minutes and thereupon cooled to lt At this temperature. 29.7 g of chlorometli yl trichloroethyl ether are added dropwise. After the additioii, the temperature is allowed to rise to 0 within 30 minutes and the reaction mixture is poured onto 1 liter of water. It is decanted off from the resin which has separated out. This is taken up in methylene chloride, the solution washed 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. A compound of the formula 